Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
49% cheaper
Wichita is 49% more affordable than Los Angeles. A $75,000 salary in Los Angeles is equivalent to $37,952 in Wichita.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: California salaries · Kansas salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Los Angeles has a housing index of 262 while Wichita sits at 62 (national average = 100). The median home in Los Angeles costs $850,000 compared to $165,000 in Wichita, a difference of $685,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $2,700 in Los Angeles versus $900 in Wichita.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Los Angeles scores 107 while Wichita scores 95.
Healthcare costs in Los Angeles (103) are higher than Wichita (92).
Median household income in Los Angeles is $65,290 compared to $52,428 in Wichita. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Wichita.
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